September 30, 2010

le fete de l’imagination: Truman Capote

Today we’re celebrating the birth of a very eccentric southern fellow (is there any other kind?). Mr. Truman Capote (born Truman Streckfus Persons) was a New Orleans native who grew up hopping all over the south, staying with assorted relatives and kinfolk. His childhood self inspired the character of Dill in friend Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. He is best known for his nonfiction novel In Cold Blood as well as the story whose film made Audrey Hepburn an icon (Breakfast at Tiffany’s). He also hosted the first ever “Black & White Ball” at the Plaza Hotel in New York… now a legendary event.

To set the scene for our little make-believe soiree…

{the place: Apalachicola, Fl…the quaintest of southern hamlets}

{the fare: rustic earthy flavors perfect for fall}

{the cake: sinfully sweet}

{the loot: a classic toggle coat and scarf for those nippy nights & a stylish pencil sharpener for his desk}

I’m sure if Mr. Capote (who would be 86) were still with us, he’d be just as bizarre as he ever was…and I mean that as a compliment because in the south, it’s what we aspire to be! Happy Birthday Truman Capote! You won’t be forgotten.